6/14/2014 01:00:00 am -
Reported by
Marcus

John Barrowman, who played Captain Jack and Julie Gardner, Doctor Who's former Executive Producer, have both been made a MBE in the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Julie Gardner was a key member of the team responsible for bringing back Doctor Who in 2005 and relaunching the series for a whole new generation. She was brought into the project in 2003 to work with Russell T Davies on developing the show. Together they were responsible for turning Doctor Who into one of the biggest BBC's most succesful shows, responsible for 60 episodes. She was involved in casting two Doctors, Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, and creating two spin-offs, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. She now works in California as Senior vice president Scripted Projects for BBC Worldwide America.

Gardner, who was born in Neath, near Swansea, has been awarded the honour for "services to the Economic Development of the Television Industry in Wales." She said: she was honored to accept the award.

I have filmed all over the world. But the talent, stamina and sheer fun of the writers, cast and crews I’ve worked with in Wales is beyond compare. I am lucky; I get to keep this award. But I am accepting it for all those brilliant people who have made my job such an absolute joy, and for my dad who will be the talk of Glynneath. My proudest achievement has been to successfully bring Doctor Who to Wales. From there, through Torchwood, Casualty and Da Vinci's Demon's, Wales' position in the global television industry goes from strength to strength. I am hugely proud to have been a part of that journey and will work hard so that this is just the beginning.

John Barrowman joined Doctor Who in 2005, playing Captain Jack Harkness in eleven episodes of the series. His success was such that he was given his own spin off series Torchwood, which ran from 2006-2011. The honour was given for his services to entertainment as well as his contribution to charity.

Barrowman, who is currently in Australia , promoting his drama series Arrow, said receiving the award was the proudest day in his life.

The honour makes both a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The award is given by Queen Elizabeth on the advice of the British Government.